Discover the National Parks in the Araucania Region

The Araucanía region in southern Chile is a privileged destination for nature and ecotourism. Its national parks showcase impressive biodiversity and striking landscapes. Below we present four of the parks that make Araucanía a unique place to visit.

Conguillío National Park

Conguillío National Park is one of Araucanía’s most emblematic protected areas. Covering 60,832 hectares and spanning the communes of Melipeuco, Curacautín, Vilcún and Lonquimay, the park is notable for its volcanic landscapes—especially the Llaima volcano, one of Chile’s most active—and for ancient araucaria forests that date back to prehistoric times. Glacial lakes such as Lake Conguillío add to the park’s dramatic scenery.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching and boating. Popular routes include the Sierra Nevada Trail, which provides striking views of the lake and the volcano.

Huerquehue National Park

Located in Cautín province, Huerquehue National Park covers roughly 12,500 hectares of mountain forests and hidden lagoons. Created in 1967, the park features araucaria stands and a diverse fauna that includes species such as puma and black woodpecker. Trails offer panoramic views of the Villarrica Volcano and lakes including Tinquilco, Verde and Toro.

The park provides camping and picnic areas for visitors. Waterfalls like Nido de Águilas and Trufulco enhance the natural charm and are popular destinations along several trails.

Nahuelbuta National Park

Nahuelbuta National Park, in the Nahuelbuta mountain range, protects endemic flora and fauna across about 6,832 hectares. The park is home to araucaria trees, the pudú (the world’s smallest deer) and various birds of prey. From the Piedra del Águila viewpoint visitors can see wide panoramas extending toward the Pacific and the Andes.

This park offers a quiet setting for direct contact with nature. Trails such as Sendero Piedra del Águila and Sendero El Rincón provide opportunities to explore the area’s biodiversity.

Tolhuaca National Park

Tolhuaca National Park, in Malleco province, spans communes including Victoria and Curacautín. Established in 1935 and covering approximately 6,374 hectares, the park is characterized by dense forests of araucaria, lenga and coigüe, as well as waterfalls and lagoons. Wildlife includes species such as puma, peregrine falcon and the four-eyed toad.

Trails like the Chilpas Trail and the Salto del Malleco Trail allow visitors to reach waterfalls and viewpoints that showcase the park’s natural features.

The national parks of Araucanía are natural treasures that offer unforgettable experiences—ancient forests, volcanic peaks and diverse wildlife provide opportunities for adventure and quiet reflection alike.